Puri

The Odia state-Puri symbolizes the very essence of Hinduism. It is here that the journey of Char Dham ( four sacred Hindu places in India) starts. And the world famous festival of Rath Yatra attracts many visitors. The locals are helpful but are careful that they don’t cheat you regarding prices.

HOW TO GO

Direct flights from Delhi airport to Bhubaneswar take you to Odisha’s capital city. Take a train from Bhubaneswar to Puri. The journey is short and the railway officials helpful with foreigners. Many hotels are in proximity with the Puri railway station. Do not believe in exorbitant prices the taxi drivers say. But wait in the auto stand, where you get a coupon for a taxi with fixed price. It is a reasonable and comfortable way of getting around.

WHEN TO GO

Summers are torturous. The heat and humidity become incredibly high. Do not visit in the months of April, May, and June. Visit during October- December. It is the peak tourist time, and the hotels seldom have empty rooms. Book online at MakeMyTrip, cleartrip or yatra. These websites also offer tour packages to Puri at dream prices. If you want a quiet holiday, then February and March are months to savor the serene beauty of Puri Beach.

WHERE TO GO

The Puri Beach gets crowded at times. Ditch the crowds and take a long drive along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive Road, which leads you to the Chandrabhaga beach. There are secluded little beaches you can have all to yourself. But some have quicksands, just be careful.

The Shree Jagannath Puri temple is a masterpiece of Odisha’s architecture- intricate rock designs depicting the ancient tales and knowledge. Entry to the temple is tricky. The Pandas or priest are Orthodox; that is why Foreigners or non-Hindus seldom take a glimpse of Temple’s inside. On a day when there is a friendly Panda, little extra fees give you access to even the Lord Jagannath’s statue. Other temples are Shree Gundicha( Rath Yatra’s destination), Alarnath, Konark Temple.

Puri exudes not only cultural but natural beauty. The Chilika Lake is home to a variety of birds that hibernate from around the world. Dolphin sanctuary and Nandankanan Zoo is a great place for animal lovers.